The town of Standish is grieving the loss of Simon Gonzalez, a joyful 5-year-old kindergartner whose life was tragically cut short after he was struck and killed by a school bus just blocks from his school.
The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, December 12, near Edna Libby Elementary School, where Simon was a student.
Authorities said Simon was waiting near his bus stop, less than half a mile from the school, when he was struck by the bus during afternoon dismissal.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Simon was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The loss has devastated his family, including his grandfather, Jason Small, who spoke publicly about the overwhelming grief they are experiencing.
“I took down all the Christmas ornaments. I took the Christmas tree down,” Small said. “We just couldn’t do it mentally. Everything feels empty.”
Simon was known as an energetic, kind-hearted child who loved the outdoors. His family said he enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and helping with everyday chores like mowing the lawn.
Despite his young age, he had already formed deep bonds with those around him.
“He was my sidekick,” Small said. “He saved me in ways I can’t explain. He was everything.”
Simon’s half-brother was also on the bus at the time of the incident but was not physically injured.
The school bus was driven by a 64-year-old woman, whose name has not been publicly released.
She has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure while investigations are underway.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no criminal charges have been filed at this time.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active, and all circumstances surrounding the crash are being carefully reviewed.
In the aftermath of Simon’s death, his family has turned their grief into advocacy.
They are calling for stricter school bus safety regulations in Maine and nationwide, including improved safety technology, clearer protocols at bus stops, and enhanced driver training.
“We need to make sure kids get home to their families,” Jason Small said. “No family should have to go through this.”
Family friend Alishia Sessions echoed that call, urging lawmakers to act.
“There needs to be change—not just here, but across the United States,” Sessions said. “If Simon’s story can save another child, then his life will continue to matter in the most powerful way.”
The Standish community has rallied around the Gonzalez family, holding vigils and memorials to honor Simon’s memory.
Classmates, teachers, neighbors, and local leaders have shared stories of his laughter, curiosity, and gentle spirit.
Candles, flowers, and handmade notes now mark places around town where Simon once played and learned, serving as reminders of a life that brought joy to many in just five short years.
As the investigation continues, Simon Gonzalez is remembered not only for the tragedy of his death, but for the love and light he brought into the lives of those around him.
His family says they will continue to fight for safer school transportation in his name, hoping that his legacy will be one of protection, awareness, and change.
For Standish, Simon’s absence is deeply felt—but his memory endures in the hearts of a community determined to honor him by protecting other children from similar loss.
